03
I returned to my apartment, the one I bought before I got married, and settled in.
My assets weren’t much, but this place was the only thing I owned that had any real value.
I had initially thought about transferring it to Barry’s name; to me, that felt like the most genuine expression of a mother’s love.
But then, Lisa had to say something that turned everything upside down. “What a rundown, old place! How could Barry possibly live there? It doesn’t suit his status as a little prince.”
Living a life of luxury, Barry took her words to heart. He threw a fit, adamant that he didn’t
ant my apartment. “I don’t want to live in that dump! I want to stay in Dad’s villa!”
As I watched him throw a tantrum, my heart sank. Gavin quickly swooped in, pulling Barry
close and soothing him. “Don’t cry, buddy. I won’t let you live in a place like that.”
Then he shot me a glare, his voice dripping with disdain. “Freya, what’s your game? You want
our son to live in a dump? You want him to end up like you, with nothing?”
I couldn’t wrap my head around how my love could be twisted into something so
contemptible in their eyes. I swallowed my words, forcing a wry smile and agreeing not to
transfer the property. Back then, I tried to convince myself that Barry was just a child, that kids
said things without thinking. Adults shouldn’t hold grudges.
But if he truly loved me as his mother, how could he say such hurtful things? The signs had
always been there; I just chose to ignore them until it was too late.
Suddenly free from the endless chores that had once consumed my days, I found myself with ample time. I leisurely cooked a meal I loved and finally attended a concert I had been wanting to see for ages. These were things I could never enjoy in that house.
THERE
Gavin loved spicy food, and Barry was allergic to seafood. Ironically, I couldn’t handle spicy
dishes and adored seafood. So, in those days, I had been busy accommodating everyone else’s
tastes while neglecting my own. It was as if I had cared for everyone’s feelings but completely forgotten about myself.
Just then, my phone rang, jolting me from my thoughts. It was Gavin calling. I hesitated, considering blocking him, but knowing his temper, I figured it was better to face him now than
T
deal with his wrath later.
“What’s up?” I answered, trying to keep my tone neutral.
There was a brief silence before he reluctantly asked, “Where’s the tie I ordered last month?”
I thought for a moment and replied, “It’s in the second–to–last drawer in the closet.”
After he found what he needed, his mood seemed to lift. Gavin sounded almost smug. If it weren’t for you knowing where everything is in the house, I wouldn’t even be calling you.”
I didn’t respond, ready to hang up. But he continued, “Alright, you’ve had your little tantrum.
Come back home. My patience isn’t infinite. Barry’s not happy with the nanny’s cooking tonight
because you’re not here. Don’t you care about your son?”
Before he could finish, I cut him off, my voice cold. “Gavin, I’ll let the nanny know where to
find all the important stuff tonight. Don’t call me again. What happens with Barry is no longer my
concern. And just so you know, I’m not joking about the divorce.“,
